Labioplasty

The procedure takes approximately one hour to perform, and is performed either under local anaesthetic (when you are awake, but the area is numb) or general anaesthetic (you will be fully unconscious).

It involves removal of excess tissue by a wedge excision, leaving a scar hidden where the labia minora joins the skin of the labia majora, in the crease that runs between the two structures.

The wound is closed with dissolvable sutures and an antibiotic cream is applied locally.

Having cosmetic surgery should be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, all surgery is not without risk, and it is important that you are aware of possible complications. All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss them. Decisions about this surgery should never be rushed.

These risks can be divided into the those specific to the surgery and those that relate to the anaesthesia.

Anaesthetic risks: Labioplasty can be carried out under local (you are awake during surgery) or general anaesthetic (you are asleep) There are very few risks involved in local anaesthetic, although it is possible to be allergic or sensitive to the anaesthetic agent.

General anaesthetics are also very safe procedures, but they have additional risks and complications to local anaesthesia. If a complication was to arise, the relevant medical expertise is immediately available to deal with this.

The risks increase if you have certain medical problems, which will be discussed at length during the consultation. The risks include:

• Unintended intraoperative awareness, which is very rare.
• Dizziness and nausea.
• Sore throat.
• Damage to teeth or mouth.
• Nerve injury due to body positioning.
• Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
• Malignant hyperthermia, which is a rare life-threatening condition.

The anaesthetist will go through these risks, and others, in more detail prior to your surgery.

Scars: The scars are hidden in the crease of skin at the base of the labia, where it joins onto the labia majora. The scars tend to settle remarkably well, so that they are barely perceptible. However, some patients heal with thick, thin or stretched scars, which can be noticeable.

Bruising and swelling: This is very common due to the excellent blood supply of the labia. Both bruising and swelling may take a couple of weeks to settle.

Haematoma: Any increase in swelling or pain should be reported immediately so that you can be assessed. If you have a significant haematoma you will need to have it washed out in theatre and any bleeding vessel identified and cauterised. This does not normally delay your recovery or change the cosmetic result.

Infection: This is an area prone to infection. I therefore give you antibiotics during the surgery and prescribe a course for 14 days after the procedure to minimise the risks. Infections occur in less than 1% of patients and rarely require any intervention apart from antibiotic treatment.

Numbness, reduced sensation or oversensitivity: A reduction in sensation near the scar occurs in most patients. This is usually temporary, but occasionally these changes can remain to some degree.

Wound healing problems: This problem is not uncommon but normally corrects itself. These healing difficulties can range from minor problems, such as small scabs which heal themselves or wound separation. Although very rare, this situation may require re-suturing of the incision, meaning more surgery.

Patients who have diabetes, smoke, or are obese are at an increased risk of wound healing problems.

Poor or delayed healing: Occasionally this occurs in patients who have a significant amount of swelling or bruising, infection or thrush. These healing difficulties can range from minor problems, such as small areas that take a week or so to heal, to larger areas that may need re-suturing.

Patients who have diabetes, smoke, or are obese are at an increased risk of delayed healing.

Thrush: If patients tend to develop thrush, then surgery or antibiotics can exacerbate this. Under those circumstances, I recommend that you take a Fluconazole tablet 2 days before your surgery.

Asymmetry: Each labia is slightly different and will continue to be following surgery. However, if you have noticeable asymmetry before your surgery, then this will be corrected as part of the surgery and will be discussed with you.

Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE): Following any surgical procedure it is possible to develop a blood clot in your legs, which could potentially break off and travel to your lungs. If the blood clot is large enough, it could prove fatal.

The overall risk for cosmetic surgery is less than 1%, but to reduce any risks of a DVT/PE, you will be provided with special stockings to wear in bed together with a blood thinning injection, if you are not mobile or have previously had a DVT or PE.

All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss these with me. Decisions about cosmetic surgery must never be rushed and requires personal research.

Your incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures, which do not require removal.

I will also apply an antibiotic cream to the incisions, which you will need to reapply 3 times per day.

You will be given sanitary pads to put in your underwear avoid soiling of undergarments with some inevitable wound oozing. You can change these as often as you need.

You can shower 24 hours after surgery. I would recommend showering as often as you like and patting the area dry afterwards. Please avoid bathing for the first 2 weeks.

Swelling and bruising after surgery are typical but settle rapidly and scarring takes longer. The final shape of the labia is best assessed at least 6 months post-surgery.

Follow up
Before you are discharged from Hospital you will be given a follow up appointment to see the nurse after one week post-operatively.

I normally see you in clinic between 2 weeks following your procedure, depending on the surgery.

You will not be able to drive yourself home from hospital and, ideally, you should have someone to stay with you for a few days to assist you. If you have any concerns during this period, do contact the clinic for advice.

Scar Advice
I recommend that you massage the incisions using small circular motions at least twice a day for 5 minutes. You can use any moisturising cream of your choice and apply firm pressure until it blanches.

When you get home, you should take things easy for the first week or so. Most people take 1 week off from work. You should be able to drive from 2 weeks, return to the gym and swimming at 4 weeks.

When you return home, you should take it easy for the first week or so. Most people take around 1 week off from work. You should be able to drive from 2 weeks and return to the gym and swimming at 4 weeks.

For self-funding patients, surgical fees are a combination of the hospital costs, the surgeon and anaesthetic fees and any consumables. I do not charge an additional fee for post-op appointments. The fee is based on the surgical time rather than procedure. This means that the costs are calculated fairly, and complex patients may have higher costs than routine patients. You will be given a quotation for surgery within 48 hours of your consultation.

Labioplasty - Nicotine and Surgery

Labioplasty - Pre-Op Instructions

Labioplasty - Post-Op Instructions